In a complex world where truth is hidden and pushed aside by so many humanistic ideologies, we are called to go forth and boldly spread the truth of the gospel message. Only in the gospel of Jesus Christ can be found the truth so desperately needed. Every other attempt by humanity to give meaning to origin, being, morality and destiny fail. These vain attempts to explain life apart from God lack logical consistency, experimental relativity, and empirical adequacy to guide society. The selfish vanity and pride that drive each human heart apart from God leads to desires for power, prestige, and wealth at all costs. It was a similar world in Jesus’ day, for the hearts of people were evil then as well. So, He instructed His disciples in these 7 elements actually necessary to boldly spread the truth of the gospel.
We too must learn how to continue to boldly spread the truth concerning Jesus Christ in a world that has become hostile against any message regarding the truth. Indeed, in a world where the truth is being trampled by those who desire to cancel the truth for Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Truth is said to be so precious that sometimes it is hidden by a bodyguard of lies, that is Satanic lies to draw one away from the truth. Does Satan understand that he has lost? Or does he still believe that he can win? After all, he believed that through crucifying Christ, he could prevent the kingdom of Christ from being realized. However, it is only through the cross that sin could be reconciled, and the sinner redeemed.
Since all we who are born (apart from Jesus) are sinners, only the blood of Jesus Christ could redeem us.
7 Elements to Boldly Spread the Truth
Jesus came to redeem us from out sins. He lived as an example to us as we see Him continuously separating into a quiet place of prayer. He boldly spread the truth of God’s words to the people. Yet, He did so with dignity, strength, and grace. Always bowing to the will of the Father, He poured out Himself for the people. He did not worry about what the people said about Him. Instead, He confirmed who He truly was by every action He took and every word He said. So, when He wanted to teach the disciples these 7 elements necessary to boldly spread the truth, He did so through His actions and words.
Element 1: Go in Pairs—everyone needs an accountability partner.
As we begin Luke 10, Jesus picks 70 disciples to go out in pairs to present the gospel message to the masses of people. Charles Stanley once spoke of our need for an accountability partner in life. Someone that we can trust with our very worst. That one person who is unafraid to point out our failures; yet do it so lovingly that we listen, knowing they only want our best. I who have been a loner for so long suddenly realized that this may be something I truly need. Then as I pondered and prayed, I realized that God had placed me in an incredibly special small group at church. Although I am the teacher, my group have some amazing women who are just that.
I guess I always believed God was enough. But in His wisdom, He knew I do needed others strong in the faith and gospel to steer me back on course at times and at other times to prevent me from straying. So, if you find yourself struggling at times, ask God to send to you an accountability partner. One you can trust to always tell you the truth directly from God’s word.
Element 2: Pray for Laborers!
Luke 10: 2 (NKJV)Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Prayer is key, not only for us, but for others. We must be always aware of the need to join hands with other laborers of the faith and not think this is our mission alone. Pray for our nation and the world, keeping focus on the mission at hand. It is so easy to get sidetracked by our own personal needs at any moment; but we must keep the Father’s mission as our primary goal.
Element 3: Do Not Get Sidetracked by Vain Conversations
Luke 10:3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. 4 Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. We must remember that the road is treacherous. Surrounded by those who want to destroy our testimony and our mission, we must be wise as serpents and gently as doves. Lay aside all those worldly things that tend to distract us. Do not cling to money or possessions as precious, for your greatest most precious treasure is the gospel of Jesus Christ. So, we must boldly spread the truth of the gospel.
At first, I thought the notation of not to greet anyone along the road as odd; however, my Liberty bible commentary points out that “greetings” were sometimes lengthy and frivolous niceties which made for vain talk when the urgency of the hour demands we reach our goal. So beware of frivolous and vain conversations that lead to nowhere.
Element 4: Find a Central Focal Point to Work From (A Church)
Luke 10: whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house.
We are to find a central focus point from which our ministry is to evolve around. This can refer to the church as the main central hub from which you gain strength, fellowship, and nourishment so that you can go forth to talk to others. If you are in the right fellowship you will feel the peace of the Holy Spirit when there. If your soul is filled with unrest, keep your eyes and ears open to listen closely to the Spirit’s call. Once you feel that peace, do not be ashamed to receive their gifts of kindness while you are there. Something hard for me is to receive. I am much better at giving than receiving gifts of kindness, though my heart may long for them at times.
Do not just jump from place to place because to boldly spread the truth you need a place to go where you can be restored.
Element 5: Plant the Seed—But be Ready to Walk on When Rejected
Luke 10: 8Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. 9 And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, 11 ‘The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless, know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you.’ 12 But I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city.
Not everyone is going to respond. Regardless of how you love the gospel and present its truth. Their response is not your responsibility. You are to present the truth as you are compelled to because of your love of the gospel and Jesus Christ. However, the Holy Spirit is the only one who can convict the hearts of people. Some choose to harden their own hearts and may even fling arrows at you. So, you are told to leave. As you leave, give them this reminder that God has called to them, His Kingdom is near to them and He loves them; but they have rejected His call. Boldly spread the truth, then walk away.
Element 6: Do Not Take Rejection Personal
Luke 10: 16 He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.” Keep the right perspective here. Do not take things so personally (like I do at times—preaching to myself here). It is not you they are rejecting it is God Himself.
Element 7: Never Lose Sight of Victory: Satan Has Fallen
Luke 10: 17 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” 18 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
No matter how dark the road may seem at times or how bleak the immediate future may appear, remember this. God is on His Throne. Satan is defeated. We have the victory and the power over Satan. Yet a little while and Jesus will return. All this is only a split second of time compared to eternity.
We Are Blessed Beyond Measure: Therefore, Boldly Spread the Truth
Luke 10 21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. 22 All[g] things have been delivered to Me by My Father, andno one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.”
23 Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; 24 for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it.”
Whatever people may say. No matter what names you may be called because you love the gospel of Jesus Christ. Never forget how blessed you are that God has shown His Mercy, Grace, and love upon you. Then, in His strength with heads and shoulders held high march for to boldly spread the truth. Even to a world who wants to cancel truth. Remember what God said to Isaiah as he preached to a nation not wanting to hear the truth?
Isaiah 49:2-6
He has made My mouth like a sharp sword;
In the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me,
And made Me a polished shaft;
In His quiver He has hidden Me.”
3 “And He said to me,
‘You are My servant, O Israel,
In whom I will be glorified.’
4 Then I said, ‘I have labored in vain,
I have spent my strength for nothing and in vain;
Yet surely my [b]just reward is with the Lord,
And my [c]work with my God.’ ”
5 “And now the Lord says,
Who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant,
To bring Jacob back to Him,
So that Israel is [d]gathered to Him
(For I shall be glorious in the eyes of the Lord,
And My God shall be My strength),
6 Indeed He says,
‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant
To raise up the tribes of Jacob,
And to restore the preserved ones of Israel;
I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles,
That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.’
So, Heavenly Father, let my mouth be like a sharp sword to boldly spread the truth of your precious son while You hold me in the shadow of Your Hand. I am Yours, mold me as you will and use me for Your Glory. Whatever may come, keep me focused on Your mission. Help me to do it all out of love as shown by the apostle Paul in Acts 20. Give me that kind of heart, willing to die for You, that others may know You. Always bowing to Your Will, where ever that leads me.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Disclosures
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Credits
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.